Tag: classic cinema

Starring: Joan Crawford, Sterling Hayden, Mercedes McCambridge Director: Nicholas Ray Vienna (Crawford) is a saloon owner in the Old West, whose business sits on land where the railroad will come. She stands to make a lot of money in the future, but the local farmers think she's a bad seed, along with the rough and… Continue reading Classic Film Of The Week: Johnny Guitar (1954)

Starring: Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price Director: Otto Preminger While investigating the murder of Laura, the detective in charge finds himself falling under the dead woman's spell, but all is not what it seems. Everyone is in love with Laura (Tierney) who sparkles and shines in the memories of those who loved… Continue reading Classic Movie Of The Week: Laura (1944)

The name and face of Hitchcock in some ways have taken over the man, a deliberate choice on his part, it would seem. Director of famous thriller and crime films like The Birds, North By Northwest, Rear Window, and of course, Psycho, he's a man that in many ways needs no introduction, but who, because… Continue reading Biography Of The Month: Alfred Hitchcock

This year I set myself a goal of reading one biography a month about a movie star or director, or other Hollywood type, who I've always wanted to know more about. At the top of the list fell Elizabeth Taylor. Why Elizabeth Taylor? I love old school Hollywood and vintage glamour, and Elizabeth Taylor is… Continue reading Biography Of The Month: Elizabeth Taylor

Starring: Ava Gardner, Humphrey Bogart Director: Joseph L Mankiewicz Ava Gardner sparkles in this film that starts at the funeral of the main character, and shows scenes from her life in the memories of those who knew and loved her, trying to piece together the mystery of her. She is Maria Vargas, a beautiful woman… Continue reading 105 Must See Films: The Barefoot Contessa (1954)

Starring: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford Director: Robert Aldrich Baby Jane (Davis) had been a huge child star, but when her sister Blanche's (Crawford) rising career eclipses hers as they grow up she is wracked with jealousy and anger. One night Jane drunkenly hits her sister with a car, crippling her and ending her career. Caring… Continue reading 105 Must See Films: Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

Directed By: Fritz Lang Written By: Thea Von Harbou, Fritz Lang Starring: Peter Lorre, Ellen Widmann, Inge Landgut Peter Lorre became known for his work as the creepy, slimey type of bad guy, epitomised by his role in Casablanca, but it was this film. M, directed by Fritz Lang, that initially launched his fame, and… Continue reading Film Review: M (1931)